Cloud Computing best practice: Backup your data!

I’m here to remind you that this importance does not diminish when your data (or apps) reside in a Cloud. Nor should you simply assume your Cloud provider automatically backs up your data and apps.

So when you put data and apps into a Cloud, look for a provider who will support a local cache or can put copies of your servers’ backed-up data on an appliance in addition to the Cloud in order to speed up restores, notably database restores.

Also, make sure you know…

What data lives in the Cloud.

Where your data lives in the Cloud.

How your data is protected once it’s in the Cloud.

How your data is protected in transit.

How and where your data is backed up.

How — and how easy — is it to retrieve your data backups.

Additionally, you need to make sure your backup/recovery strategy adheres to all governance and compliance rules that apply to your organization. Also, pay attention to to encryption; both data in transit and data in storage should be encrypted and you should conduct a search for any ‘back doors’ that might allow unauthorized access.